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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
Business
Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Aramco 2021 Profit Soars, Plans Capex Boost in 2022

Saudi Aramco reported a more than doubling of annual net profit in 2021, boosted by higher oil prices, and announced plans to sharply lift capital expenditure in 2022. (AFP)

Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco on Sunday reported a more than doubling of annual net profit in 2021, boosted by higher oil prices, and announced plans to sharply lift capital expenditure in 2022.

The oil giant has benefited from a more than 50% rise in crude prices last year, as increased COVID 19 vaccination rates and loosening restrictions resulted in demand outpacing supply.

Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel last month after Russia invaded Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special operation."

Net profit rose to $110 billion for the year that ended December 31, from $49 billion a year earlier.

Analysts had expected a net profit of $106 billion in 2021, according to the mean estimate of analysts in Refinitiv's Eikon.

Aramco said it aims to boost its capital expenditure to $40-50 billion in 2022, with further growth expected until around the middle of the decade.

Capital expenditure in 2021 was $31.9 billion, an increase of 18% from 2020.

Aramco plans to raise crude oil "maximum sustainable capacity" to 13 million barrels a day by 2027, and wants to boost gas production by more than 50% by 2030.

Aramco also intends to develop a significant hydrogen export capability and become a global leader in Carbon Capture and Storage, it said.

“Although economic conditions have improved considerably, the outlook remains uncertain due to various macro-economic and geopolitical factors," CEO Amin Nasser said in a statement.

"But our investment plan aims to tap into rising long-term demand for reliable, affordable and ever more secure and sustainable energy."

Aramco, which only ranks behind Apple and Microsoft in market value , declared a dividend of $75 billion for 2021, in line with its earlier pledge.

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